Prisoners Have No Fundamental Right to Demand Luxurious or Personalized Meals: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has ruled that prisoners, even those with disabilities, do not enjoy a constitutional right under Article 21 to demand luxurious or personalised meals.

The bench clarified that prisons are correctional institutions, not extensions of societal comforts. The state’s obligation is limited to providing adequate, nutritious, medically appropriate food certified by a doctor.

The decision followed a writ petition by an advocate, who claimed inadequate protein-rich provisions. While dismissing his food-related claim, the court emphasised the importance of disability-sensitive prison reforms, including accessible infrastructure and proper staff training to uphold prisoners' dignity.